Monroe-Woodbury High School Celebrates "Seen Enough Tobacco Day'"

POW’R Against Tobacco and the Reality Check program celebrated “Seen Enough Tobacco Day” with students and faculty at Monroe-Woodbury High School in Orange County by raising awareness about the impact of tobacco marketing to youth.

POW’R partnered with the S.T.A.R.S (Students Teaching Advocacy and Resilience Skills) club at the high school to educate students on the negative environmental impact of smoking and
vaping. According to the Truth Initiative, cigarettes make up more than one-third—nearly 38 percent—of all collected litter, and cities spend between $3 million and $16 million on cigarette clean-up.

Jessica Wright, the instructional health class leader and advisor for the S.TA.R.S
program stated, “Monroe-Woodbury HS was excited to partner with POW'R Against
Tobacco and to learn the impact that cigarettes and vapes not only have on our
health but the environment as well.” Ms. Wright continued, “Students and
staff received valuable information on Big Tobacco's predatory
marketing strategies, the dangerous effects of addiction, and how
cigarettes and vapes are polluting our parks, playgrounds, and other recreational
areas. The students were given various options on how they can combat the
negative impact of tobacco products on our community. We are looking forward to
continuing this partnership throughout the year.”

In addition, POW’R provided resources for quitting smoking/vaping including the NYS Smokers Quitline services. POW’R looks forward to further partnership with the Monroe-Woodbury High School youth to educate local stakeholders on the benefits of comprehensive policies banning smoking and vaping in local parks and playgrounds throughout the community.